Best California to Iowa Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from state to state opens the chapter to an exciting new phase in your life, teeming with opportunities and adventures. From the sun-kissed beaches and sprawling tech hubs of California, to the welcoming communities and lush landscapes of Iowa, you're about to swap the Golden State's fast pace for the Hawkeye State's heartwarming charm. Recognizing the significance of this journey, it's crucial to entrust your move to professional movers whom you can rely on to navigate this long-distance transition smoothly, which is why we meticulously rank the best movers, ensuring you partner with the most trusted and reliable team for your California to Iowa move.
Best California to Iowa Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Best California Movers | 9.52 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to California guide.
6 Best CA to IA Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Adamantine Spine Moving
With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Adamantine Spine Moving
Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Iowa
Moving between states is a significant change that requires weighing both sides of the decision carefully. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from California to Iowa , showing the good and the bad attributes of such a relocation. Understanding the pros and cons will help ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your personal and professional needs.
California- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Wildfire risk
- Earthquake risk
- Dense population
Iowa- Lower cost of living
- Lighter traffic
- No wildfires
- Safe from earthquakes
- Smaller communities
Iowa- Cold winters
- No beaches
- Less diversity
- Fewer job opportunities in tech
- Quieter lifestyle
California- Warm weather
- Beaches
- Diverse cultures
- Innovative hub
- Vibrant cities
Moving from California’s bustling cities to Iowa’s peaceful landscapes offers a unique set of opportunities and challenges. California’s vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, known for their cultural diversity, bustling restaurant scenes such as The Bazaar by José Andrés, and iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, contrast sharply with Iowa’s quieter lifestyle. In Iowa, you will find an embracing community in cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, boasting family-friendly neighborhoods and a slower pace of life. The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines or the engaging cultural scene in Cedar Rapids, with places like the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, showcase the region’s commitment to quality of life. While you might miss California's beaches and winter warmth, Iowa’s affordability and community-focused living offer a refreshing change.
California vs. Iowa Food Guide
Food greatly influences our perception of a place, encapsulating its culture and lifestyle. Through this comparison of the local cuisine between California & Iowa , we aim to give you a taste of what each state offers. This may help better inform your decision on where you’d enjoy living and dining most.
| California | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sushi | Corn on the cob |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip BBQ | Pork tenderloin sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Taco Trucks | State Fair Corn Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Corn Chowder |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, food is an adventure, with offerings like sushi and tri-tip BBQ showcasing the state’s diverse culinary landscape. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are meccas for food lovers, boasting an array of street food options, including the famed taco trucks. On the other hand, Iowa presents a heartwarming, homestyle cooking palette, with its iconic corn on the cob and pork tenderloin sandwiches representing the state’s agricultural heritage. Des Moines and Iowa City offer unique dining experiences such as The Iowa Pork Tent and Zombie Burger + Shake Lab, blending traditional tastes with modern culinary innovation. Whether you're a health enthusiast or a vegan, California's food scene caters generously to these lifestyles, while Iowa is making strides in offering more inclusive dining options.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the differences in real estate aspects between California and Iowa is crucial when planning a move. This comparison gives you a clear picture of what to expect in terms of housing, helping you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | California | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, Solar panels | Spacious backyards, Proximity to nature |
The vast difference in median home prices reflects not just the market, but also the value of living in each state. For instance, California's appeal includes its modern architecture and close proximity to beaches, as highlighted in its real estate listings. This, coupled with a more developed urban lifestyle and better bikeability, caters to those seeking a vibrant, active life. On the other hand, Iowa offers affordable housing with its ranch and craftsman-style homes, catering to those who prefer spacious backyards and a closer connection to nature. While the walkability and bikeability scores are lower, the trade-off is a more laid-back, affordable way of life, underlining the differences in lifestyle preferences these states cater to.
California vs. Iowa Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between California and Iowa. This will help you prepare for the changes and ensure your new environment matches your expectations and needs.
California
Iowa
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable, often moderate | Generally good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from California to Iowa presents significant weather adjustments. For starters, you'll experience much colder winters in Iowa, with average lows dipping into the mid-teens, a stark contrast to California's milder winters. Furthermore, Iowa enjoys fewer days of sunshine, which could be a significant change if you're accustomed to California's sunnier skies. The higher annual rainfall and snowfall in Iowa also suggest a need for different clothing and driving habits, particularly in winter months. Understanding these differences will aid you in making a smooth transition to your new home in Iowa.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Iowa
When considering a move from one state to another, it's essential to understand how the cost of living and financial environment in California compares with Iowa. This comparison will help you gauge what to expect in terms of expenses, taxes, and overall economic climate.
| Comparison | California | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $69,588 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 95.9 |
| State Income Tax | 1% - 13.3% | 0.33% - 8.53% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73% | 1.53% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25% | 6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Tourism | Manufacturing, Finance and Insurance, Agriculture |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | High | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Low |
In both California and Iowa, the financial landscape is shaped by varying factors, including income levels, cost of living, and major industries. California boasts a higher average household income, but this comes with a significantly higher cost of living index, driven by expensive housing and essentials. The state's progressive income tax rate is among the highest, which can impact your take-home pay. In contrast, Iowa offers a more affordable cost of living, with a considerably lower index, making it an attractive option for those looking for economic efficiency without sacrificing quality of life. Additionally, Iowa's property tax rate is higher, which is a crucial factor to consider when buying a home. Understanding these nuances will help you better prepare for your move and manage your finances accordingly.
California vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison
This quick overview aims to give you a glimpse into the comparison of the politics between California & Iowa , providing insight into the political, and religious composition of these regions. Understanding these aspects will help you gauge the social climate you're moving into.
| California | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Swing State, leans Republican |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies on environment, immigration | Conservative policies on agriculture, gun rights |
| Religion | Diverse, with no single dominant religion | Largely Christian, Protestant majority |
While both states showcase a rich tapestry of cultural and political ideologies, they diverge significantly in terms of their political and religious landscapes. California's political atmosphere is markedly liberal, especially in urban areas, and is known for its progressive stances on various issues, such as environmental protection and immigration reform. Additionally, California's religious makeup is quite diverse, reflecting its large population and multicultural communities. On the other hand, Iowa's political environment can be characterized as a swing state with a recent tendency to lean towards Republican ideologies, notably in rural areas. The state's governance often reflects conservative views, especially on matters like agriculture and gun rights. Furthermore, Iowa has a predominantly Christian population, with Protestants making up the majority. This divergence in political and religious makeup between California and Iowa highlights the variety of social climates found within the United States.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Iowa
When considering a move from California to Iowa, it's crucial to explore how education options compare across these states. This guide is designed to help you better understand the comparisons between school options in California and Iowa, covering various aspects of schooling from elementary to high school, including both public and private institutions.
| California | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordUniversity of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Alternative (Redwood City) Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley) Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach)Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Rover Elementary (Sioux Center) North Bend Elementary (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Whale Gulch Middle (Whitethorn) Preuss School UCSD (La Jolla) Elkhorn (Lodi)Ames Middle (Ames) North Central Junior High (Coralville) Northwest Junior High (Coralville) | |
Top 3 High School Schools California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Oxford Academy (Cypress) Whitney High (Rocklin)Ames High (Ames) West High (Iowa City) Decorah High (Decorah) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake (Studio City) Castilleja School (Palo Alto) The College Preparatory School (Oakland)Phillips Academy (Exeter) Phillips Exeter Academy (Andover) St. Paul's School (Concord) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) The Thacher School (Ojai) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)Maharishi School (Fairfield) Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) St. Albert Catholic Schools (Council Bluffs) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Mateo Union High Palo Alto Unified Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union HighIowa City Community School District Ames Community School District Decorah Community School District | |
Both California and Iowa boast highly ranked educational institutions, but they cater to different preferences and needs. For example, if you're moving with children, it's worth noting that while California's California Academy of Mathematics and Science is renowned for its STEM focus, Iowa's Ames High offers a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Private education looks different in each state too, with California's options like Harvard-Westlake offering a rigorous academic environment in urban settings, compared to Iowa's Maharishi School which delivers a unique consciousness-based education in a more rural setting. Essentially, your choice between the two states may come down to the kind of educational ethos and environment you wish for your children.
Popular California to Iowa Moving Routes
- Los Angeles to Des Moines
- San Diego to Des Moines
- San Jose to Des Moines
- San Francisco to Des Moines
- Fresno to Des Moines
- Sacramento to Des Moines
- Long Beach to Des Moines
- Oakland to Des Moines
- Bakersfield to Des Moines
- Anaheim to Des Moines
- Santa Ana to Des Moines
- Riverside to Des Moines
- Stockton to Des Moines
- Irvine to Des Moines
- Chula Vista to Des Moines
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
